It’s also a place where Virtual Assistants themselves can find support, guidance and clients!

Visit Virtually Yours

Rosie,  what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

Five years ago I got the idea that some businesses would not always want to hire full time administrative staff, and other businesses have admin staff who are limited in their formatting and researching skills. So I explored the idea of running a virtual venture. I quickly realised that there was an entire industry of Virtual Assistants growing throughout the world, which utilised these concepts.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

I think I gained confidence once I realised that there were other people out there doing this very same thing. I was lucky enough to be able to start whilst working part time, which took away some of the fear factor. After about 12 months I realised that I would need to take the plunge and leap head first into this fulltime if I wanted my business to grow, so I did what a friend of mine recommended, which was ‘feel the fear… and do it anyway!’

Where did the name for your business spring from?

Naming your business is not easy! So many names are already taken and it’s not always easy to think of something which really captures the message you want to give. I had a brainstorming session and asked a few friends, and then out of the blue I came up with Virtually Yours, which was still available in Australia, and not used for any high profile companies overseas. I was very pleased!

How is Virtually Yours unique?

Virtually Yours is unique in that it is a business that thrives on the success of other businesses within the same field. I have my own clients whom I provide web and desktop publishing support to, but my Network, Virtually Yours Virtual Assistants, is something I really enjoy running, and in it, I can see like-minded, passionate, business women (all women at this stage) working hard to achieve their business goals. It’s very inspiring.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Initially I didn’t have anywhere to set up my ‘office’, but a half enclosed spare room was put to the task, and was painted, (including the concrete floors), sealed, had power brought into, phone line added and then my equipment. It was great to have a new space created especially for me and my business.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Absolutely. I never thought that I would end up predominantly working in web design and desktop publishing. Nor did I think that my Network would attract members from overseas. I have international clients, international members and new areas of expertise. Almost every part  of the original idea has been expanded upon.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

I actually love being able to work with other business owners. Both my clients and my network members bring me a lot of joy and a sense of accomplishment, as they grow and succeed. The flexibility to work when I am at my most productive is also a great bonus.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

Yes, I have informal networks which I utilise along with BNI, my local Chamber of Commerce and I am a Rotarian. Rotary is a great resource where successful business owners come together to work on community projects. The wealth of experience and knowledge that can be tapped into at Rotary is incredible. Plus it’s fun!

What are your future goals for Virtually Yours?

I am working on growing the Network further and developing partnerships with complimentary organisations, for example CoachNetwork, who can benefit my members further. I am looking forward to having over 100 Virtual Assistants on my network.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Feel the fear…. And do it anyway!

]]> http://herbusinesslife.com.au/virtual-assistance-for-you-rosie-shilo/feed/ 2 http://herbusinesslife.com.au/the-culture-of-ideas-yvonne-adele/ http://herbusinesslife.com.au/the-culture-of-ideas-yvonne-adele/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:55:09 +0000 admin http://herbusinesslife.com.au/?p=941 IDEAS CULTURE brings provides a global team of 'Ideas Agents' to deliver up to 100 fresh ideas to a business - overnight! As 'Ms Megabyte', Yvonne Adele made technology accessible. Now she's promoting creativity to expand business horizons, with clients such as NAB, LJ Hooker and Microsoft. ]]>

‘Ideas Culture’  provides a global team of ‘Ideas Agents’ to deliver up to 100 fresh ideas to a business – overnight!

As ‘Ms Megabyte’, Yvonne Adele made technology accessible. Now she’s promoting creativity to expand business horizons, with clients such as NAB, LJ Hooker and Microsoft.

Yvonne, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

Starting Ideas Culture two years ago was through necessity. Ms Megabyte was fading in popularity because technology became easier to use.

I knew I wanted to continue being a Professional Speaker so asked myself : What is the second most common thing people come to me for help with? (The first being tech!)

It was Ideas. So I researched everything I could about the idea generation / creative thinking process and realised I had a unique way of getting ideas.

But most recently, we had a boost in the business, and it was due to this idea:

Ideas While You Sleep – an overnight brainstorming service for stretched businesses that taps into a team of Ideas Agents globally.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

I floated the idea of ‘Ideas while you sleep’ to my Twitter network (then approx 2000, now over 4000) to see if I could get enough people registering as Ideas Agents.

I had hundreds within days. Then floated the idea with a cross section of clients who all said they would try it.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

Ideas Culture was created in 2007 after I’d been Ms Megabyte for 12 years.

I wanted a business name that encapsulated exactly what we offered. We assist businesses to build a culture of ideas.

What sets Ideas Culture apart?

We offer a fully supported foundation for idea generation via three services.

Ideas While You Sleep – we do the thinking for you. Overnight.

Ideas With You – we facilitate a brainstorm with your own team, at your office or off-site.

Ideas Via You – we act as a ‘secret weapon’, feeding you team building and brainstorming activities so you can facilitate your own team.

These are best purchased as a site license – companies pay a monthly fee and get a certain combination that works for them. Eg: 1 x Ideas While You Sleep a week; 1 x Ideas With you a month; unlimited Ideas Via You.

We lead businesses down the Path to Innovation (see graphic). You bring your business challenge and we’ll show you how to use creative thinking techniques to generate ideas, then how to find the best ones and set a plan to implement them.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Transitioning from what my clients and the marketplace knew of me – Ms Megabyte, the technology whizz.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

a) leaving Ms Megabyte behind (because people just didn’t need as much help with technology as they had done previously–  the answers are easy to find on Google these days and technology isn’t as annoying)

b) With Ideas Culture, we initially started out running sessions to teach people how to run their own sessions in the workplace. But we found people just were not doing it after we left. We discovered people felt it was out of their comfort zone, so we had to come up with some less expensive ways they could use us more regularly.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

My own hours. Working from home which I don’t think I’ll ever give up.. although I do daydream about whizzing into my office, throwing my coat in one direction, taking a clipboard from an assistant and signing something, ordering coffee, sitting down behind a huge desk in a gorgeous corner New York office… (think: Devil Wears Prada)

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

National Speakers Association – my colleagues there have been extremely helpful and supportive during my topic change from technology to ideas.

Twitter is an endless source of support, answers and enrichment.

What are your future goals for Ideas Culture?

Continue our social media strategy to build the brand internationally. To publish a book. To systemise the Ideas While You Sleep process so it can run with as little hands-on as possible. To create regular webinars and e-learning content.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

You have brains in your head,

You have feet in your shoes,

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Out there, things can happen,

And frequently do!

To people as brainy, and footsy as you.

(Dr Suess from Oh The Places You’ll Go)

Just start slowly – you’ll soon prove to yourself that you can do it. Once you build up that confidence a tiny bit, the world is your oyster.

Readers of Her Business Life can gain a 50% discount at Ideas Culture!

Just use the promotion code 50off to discover amazing new directions for your business.

Sha’s pettiskirts are the first to be introduced here that include these designer collections.

Sha, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

I have always wanted to have my own shop since little, and I was also known for the little girl who wanted to wear ‘big circumferenced’ or flare skirts and dresses all the time. Not forgetting huge dramatic bow hairclips! I just loved them. I still do, only that I get to wear them occasionally nowadays. My passion for girly wear and fashion is the drive that keeps me going to make one of my dreams a reality. Therefore, opening an eboutique was just perfect to me.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

The brilliant technology and convenience invented for mothers and everyone to shop online is amazing. With the constant development of doing business in the cyberworld and creating a network from one country to another, got me excited on how well my business can go. As a mother of two, I fully understand the need to shop and search things conveniently and quickly hence, the idea of creating Chic By Sha was just perfect to me. I wanted people to have the convenience of e-shopping with style and follow my blog where I have discussions and news about kids, lifestyle, fashion, travel and more.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

When I was thinking of a name for my eboutique, I knew it has to include my name in it. I remember Donald Trump’s wise words where he advised that the best name to give your business or building will have to be your name. Up to this day, I knew I have made the right choice of naming my eboutique Chic By Sha because it converys the right message to consumers that they can find things stylish and chic created by me. Reviews from my customers and clients have been overwhelmingly positive and they love how my products are presented, taking them to another arena of style.

How is Chic By Sha unique?

We are the first to introduce to Australia and New Zealand signature designs that are vintage-inspired and avant-garde turning the concept of pettiskirt-wear a stylish and creative fashion. Upcoming designs that are due to come in summer 09 will be designed by me where you can expect unique and spectacular range. Our website has a chic look with a gallery of beautiful photography and easy method of purchase that is what consumers can expect when shopping with us. We are proud to have the fastest period of delivery time as well.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

It is probably an issue that all mothers have – that is the need to be sure that you are giving enough time to your kids. This has been a greatly shared experience to most of us and I would probably say this could be the most difficult part in getting my business off the ground when I first started Chic By Sha. However, interestingly enough, my family and I appreciate the time management we have sorted out to one another and have since respect the boundaries. My daughter knows when is Mummy’s work time and when is the time we can all get together and have fun one hundred percent.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

I’m lucky to have my business go to the path where I want it to be. Getting the results that you want and the outcome of what you have created is crucial. To me, the satisfaction of my loyal customers and valuable feedback is what matters. I have been getting great reviews and am grateful about them. I’m glad things have been going the way I want them however, having said that, I am open to new ideas and opportunities should there be suggestions and offers on creative business ideas.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The flexibility of being able to run my business and be with my family at the same time is absolutely wonderful. Managing the time for my family and business has never been a problem but enjoyable. My kids are able to see me work and handle day to day duties regarding the family and my eboutique thus will learn that women can do anything. Another thing that I enjoy most about running my business is also seeing my collection being made – it’s so exciting! Every time my collection has arrived, I get so excited and happy which is an affirmative that I am doing a job I love.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

I am a part of several networks of kids’ designers, e-tailers, fashion websites and blogs in Australia, New Zealand, US and Singapore. One of them is called Skout Trade Fair where I was approached and being welcomed in the network. They have many forums and discussions on everything a designer, retailer or photographer would like to know that I think is such a great idea because it brings not only business networks together, but it also creates a community of women or mumpreneurs alike to work together which I find is an important asset in today’s era. These networks have helped me grow my business in many crucial ways that has advertised a great exposure to my eboutique.

What are your future goals for Chic By Sha?

My future goals for Chic By Sha is that consumers can expect more fabulous, avant-garde pettiskirt and top collection that is affordable and wearable for their special events. Chic By Sha will continue to be part of major expos and advertisings in Australia, New Zealand, US and Asia in the coming year. I look forward to introduce other unique collections such as accessories and shoes that would be a lovely surprise to my loyal customers. Expanding the market worldwide will remain as part of the goal. Most of all, I hope for a continued success and happiness.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

My advice would be to be true to yourself on what your true passion is. Only then can you stay focused on your business and not enter into an impulsive rush into making any risky decisions. There are hundreds and hundreds of online businesses nowadays and there are more in the making. I think it is important to stick to your business plan and not follow what everyone else is doing. Loving what you do at the end of the day is key to the whole idea. You will absolutely get the satisfaction when receiving the end results then.

At Legal Tender, clients can find the service they need - 
with savings of up to 80%.

Emily, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

My parents had a very unfortunate experience with a solicitor in relation to a contested will. They found a lawyer by calling the Law Institute, who provides them with three names and numbers only.

My parents complained that they had no idea how much they would be charged, what skills the lawyer had, how long they had been around, or the reputation of the lawyer.

After some investigation, I realised that there was no service in Australia that helped people to compare lawyers in that way.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

The most exciting thing was there was no service in Australia which allowed lawyers to compete for client’s work and which allowed client’s to compare cost estimates, experience, skill, location and size.  There was an obvious gap in the market for such a service, and as an entrepreneur, I wanted to fill that gap and become a market leader.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

The name “Legal Tender” is a clever play on words. Lawyers “tender” for the work. Legal Tender is also the legal name for money. The website is http://www.legaltender.com.au

How is Legal Tender unique?

It is the only legal service that allows clients to compare estimated costs, experience and so forth to make an informed choice as to legal representation.

Further, because the lawyers are competing for the clients work, prices are driven down. We see client’s saving up to 80% of potential legal fees.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Initially, getting the website to look and run smoothly. That has taken four long years! Now the big challenge is getting the website out to potential clients. Our target client is SMEs. (Small to Medium Enterprise)

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Yes. Initially I thought that the target client would be those with criminal law, injury matters.

That is no longer our target, and we now choose to focus on business/commercial and family law matters. We find they are more serious about obtaining legal advice.

That said, however, we have hundreds of lawyers to help with any kind of legal issue. 

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The little successes each day. Eg hearing from a client that we have exceeded their expectations, helping smaller law firms to compete for work they may otherwise not have been exposed to, an article about Legal Tender in the paper, a new potential business alliance.

I also enjoy the constant process of refining the business and making it better and better in response to customer feedback.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

I am a lawyer, and until June 2008, worked as a corporate litigator at a top tier law firm in Melbourne, Arnold Bloch Leibler. The networks that I created and managed during that time helped me tremendously to have the confidence to approach firms and sell my service.

What are your future goals Legal Tender?

Legal Tender launched in Victoria in June this year. Within a month, we had over 100 Victorian law firms that had registered with our service. Because of that success, we expanded to NSW, and currently have over 200 law firms that are members. I hope to expand Legal Tender nationally within the next year, and for it to be the number one place that clients go to when they need legal advice.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

You need to have determination to succeed and persistence. Very few things happen overnight, and it will probably take a number of years before your business starts to kick off. Also, be prepared to constantly refine and evolve your business. Seek out criticism; it is the best form of feedback!

Rebecca explains how Two Homes, the only free resource website of its kind, helps families manage this stressful time.

Rebecca,  what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

When I separated from my son’s father I was committed to trying to doing the best that I could so that my son went through as little pain and suffering as possible. At the time I often felt like my world had been turned upside down and I searched for information and tools to guide me and help mange the process.

During this tough time everything changes and sometimes it’s hard enough just getting through the day let alone trying to manage my new parenting arrangements. As a tech savy mama I searched for an efficient way to help me communicate with my former partner and keep him up to date on information about our child – in an easy, no fuss way. I was shocked that nothing was available and immediately started to think up ways that I could build my own system.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

I was driven to set up www.twohomes.com.au because I truly believed that I could add value and help other separated families. My passion for the area quickly grew as I became more educated on the topic and realised how big an issue this was. With over 50,000 families separating each year and over 1.1 million kids in Australia living with separated parents I instantly saw the importance of what I wanted to achieve.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

The Two Homes name came about as a result of a fantastic brain storiming session with a group of parents who all had experience of working through the issues of separation, divorce and parenting.

How is Two Homes unique?

Two Homes is Australia’s only free online resource that provides Australian single parents with information, tools and resources that guide and empower them to do what ever they need to, to help them and their children through this difficult time.

 What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

The hardest part of my journey has been the time it has taken to get our online organiser up and running. We are now up to our 3rd set of developers and this all takes a lot of money, time and energy. Sourcing capital to fund the software development was also extremely challenging, for some reason institutions were not that keen to back a single mum with a passion to help other parents

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Initially my goal was to create an online tool that would help manage my parenting arrangements. However, during this process I realised that I was not alone in the frustration I experienced in trying to find out what I needed to do during the separation and divorce process. It was clear to me that there was a real need to provide separated parents with information, resources and services, all in one place. Consequently, www.twohomes.com.au was born and is now the core foundation of my business.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

I love receiving positive feedback from separated parents and professional organisations who work with separation and children issues daily. I get a real buzz when someone lets me know that we have had a positive impact on their lives.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

At present I don’t belong to any formal networking groups. However, being an online business I believe in the power of social networks and groups and utilise the power of LinkedIn, Twitter and online forums and groups daily.

What are your future goals for Two Homes?

Next step for Two Homes is to provide separated families with the ability to connect and support each other through online communities.

 What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Make sure you’re passionate about what you’re doing, as there will be tough times! It’s during these times that you will need to dig deep and draw strength from your belief and dedication to your business idea.

Amanda runs a website and forums that are focused primarily on mums.

Amanda tells why a non-judgmental outlet for mothers, Real Mums, was sorely needed!

 

Amanda, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

 I was a member of a business forum for another (now shelved) idea – my first foray into online forums. I needed an outlet for my parenting – one that was non-judgmental, honest, non-pretentious, and, most of all, FUN! It came out of my own needs, really.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

 Mostly just my own desperate need for this sort of thing – nothing was about, I NEEDED it, so I created it.

Where did the name come from for your business?

 Originally, it was going to be called Bad Mums (badmums.com.au) because you were allowed to talk about things that were considered ‘bad’ (wine and babies, apparently, don’t mix!) and discuss taboo subjects honestly … then I figured “that’s not bad – that’s reality!” And realmums.com.au was registered.

What would you say makes realmums.com.au different to other similar businesses out there?

All parent support forums offer support in one form or another – and for certain people. We’re different because we don’t have a parenting ‘philosophy’ per se, we’re very focused on Mum, rather than the kids, and we allow you to make mistakes, have foibles and not be “the perfect Mum”, without judging. Mostly, we are open to and encourage honest discussion about the bad days – and its all ok.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

My initial web designer and host didn’t deliver! It took 12 months. Income has been another challenge. Having two toddlers and studying at uni was the easy bit.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Um, all of it! It was supposed to be a bit of fun, a forum and an outlet for my writing whilst I completed my degree and “got a proper job” … it’s grown and developed so much, and still is. Watch this space.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

The members – they’re a fantastic bunch and keep giving me inspiration. The fact that I can get a decent coffee whenever I want (I make it J), being here for my kids and the creative outlet.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

Business Mums Network and Business Women Unite. And, of course, my own network of Mums on the site.

What are your future goals for realmums.com.au?

To provide more resources for Mums, have some books, a bigger team. Oh, and to make a proper living from it.

 What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Go fot it. Research what’s out there, and make sure you really do have something different. Go with your gut .. always go with your gut, and be passionate about what you do.

Heather runs a online store that sells gifts for men only.

Research showed Heather that no one was catering exclusively to men online, and she filled that gap with Gifts 4 Blokes!

Heather, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?

Well, I can’t really say that it was all my own idea! Just before Christmas a few years ago, I got together “with the girls” and over a few drinkies we discussed the hassles of finding men’s gifts and why couldn’t you just buy them in one spot, not have to wander the shops until your feet and head can’t take it anymore. Then they “suggested” why don’t I put together an online store with gifts for men. They thought it would be easy for me as I had trained and worked as a web designer. I think they just thought I could press a button and there would be the solution to their problem of finding men’s gifts.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?

They harassed me long enough until I did something!
No, seriously, initially I put the idea to one side, then it began to “niggle” at me, until I started researching the market and realised at that time there wasn’t really an online store doing just men’s gifts. I’d always wanted to go into business for myself someday and I began to think this was an opportunity to use my skills and do something a bit different. And it was a challenge to start something from nothing, and the more work and planning I did, the more excited I got.

Where did the name for your business spring from?

Working in the web industry I knew I had to find a name that would be catchy, search engine friendly and told shoppers what the store was just by them looking at the name. The name popped into my head and I could not believe the domains were available. Next thing I had the credit card out, you have never seen someone register a domain name so quickly.

How is Gifts for Blokes original?

It caters for men’s gifts only, although I have had emails from women saying they had purchased items for themselves… When researching stock we try to think outside the square and try not to have the same old – same old. My husband is a great sounding board and quickly tells me if the idea is a shocker! We focus on the customer and make customer service a priority. Most orders are dispatched within 24hours.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?

Negativity by suppliers towards online businesses. Firstly we were new and then we were online. Some suppliers had a policy not to sell to online stores. Their other main comment was we might sell on ebay. It took us some time to find the right suppliers who took the time to listen to our concept and come on board with us. We have noticed this attitude is slowly changing as more wholesalers grasp the concept of online shopping and that online stores are really no different from other businesses.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?

Yes, mainly in the products that we are selling – we have found items that in the beginning we would never have thought of, plus we have some more ideas in the wind, that are currently “top secret”!

 What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Helping people, we often get a desperate email from someone who has a birthday or a groom in “urgent” need of groomsman’s gifts (the wedding is on Saturday!). Really enjoy being able to help them out of a tight spot. Plus you tend to get to know your repeat customers, which is really nice.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?

Yes, several women’s forums that are a great help and provide me with inspiration and a laugh!

What are your future goals for Gifts for Blokes?

We have several things on the drawing board at the moment, that are exciting. Yep they’re secret! sorry

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?

Plan, Plan, Plan – also if you have a partner, their support, encouragement and constructive criticism is really important. But if you have an idea and the drive – just go for it, you never know unless you have a go!

Anne Maybus provides clever writing services– everything from blog babysitting to your social media setup.

Anne explains what a Clever Streak of writing can do for your business.

Anne, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
I decided to start my business after seeing so many small businesses struggling with their writing. Most online businesses these days know that blogging and using social media such as Facebook or Twitter can give them a boost. The trouble is that any time spent writing is taking them away from the actual running of the business. Most of us can’t afford to employ someone to do the work for them so outsourcing is a logical and inexpensive way to cover all bases.
 
Where did the name for your business spring from?
I love the name ‘Clever Streak’. It gives me an impression of speed and originality. This is how I want my business to perform and it is what I want to offer my clients. I do tend to tackle things a little differently to others!

How is Clever Streak original?
The main point of difference is that we specialise in ghost blogging. We write articles, newsletters and anything that you need to have written but we focus on the social media. Ghost blogging, ghost twittering and ghost posts on Facebook can be quite time consuming (oh it is sooo easy to get caught up in Twitter!) These are small amounts of writing but they bring a great return to the business. It will save lots of time, cost only a small amount yet capture a lot of customer attention.

We try to create a package to suit each client’s individual needs and budget. Written materials are very personal, aren’t they? They should reflect your business personality and that is what we do. Each business has a different writing need so one blanket package approach just doesn’t work.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
The hardest part was being accepted as a writer by people who knew me from me other business, which is Beauty Banquet – an online store. For some the change seemed a bit radical. Once they realised that I had been writing for years in one format or another they gradually began to accept my new role. It is funny, but most of my background is far more relevant to Clever Streak yet it was Beauty Banquet that I was known for.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
I hadn’t anticipated the demand for e-books and e-courses. I worked for many years in Human Resource Development and that has come in very handy! I think that people come to me because I not only write the books I can lay them out so that they look great too. I am loving it! Writing e-books means that I can get stuck into some detailed writing instead of creating short bursts of words for a blog post.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
I love working from home but most of all I just love the varied assignments that I get. One day I could be writing about fashion and the next day creating an e-course on budgets. It keeps me interested and excited about the work. I also love meeting new clients and getting to know them. There are some brilliant women out there who have created successful businesses and I am getting to know lots of them.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
I belong to quite a few networks and they have all helped to get me started. Business Mums Network, Business Women Unite, Australian Businesswomen’s Network and Wahmnetwork Australia are just some of the networks that I should mention. They offer advice, support, encouragement and they ask the hard questions that sometimes I don’t want to think about (but should!)

What are your future goals for Clever Streak?
I want to build my business so that I can employ others. Then we can write for more people and help them to build their businesses too. On a personal level I want to write a book and have it published. Now there is a challenge for me.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Join networks! All the usual advice about doing your research and preparing a business plan before you do anything is vital. What people often don’t tell you about is the value that comes from networking. Don’t worry that you haven’t got anything to offer in return. We always feel like that in the beginning. We seem to be the one asking all the questions. That is natural and the questions you ask are helping someone who isn’t brave enough to ask them. You will find that you have plenty to offer if you just look inside yourself.

Christie Nicholas offers the first online service for mums to swap their goods and talents.

Featured on TV and magazines, Mumswap is an amazing hub for mums!

Christie, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
When I was on maternity leave, I decided I would start a (completely different) business that was going to motivate mums and make them feel good about themselves in their roles, but didn’t have the skills to do it single-handedly and didn’t feel confident outlaying the money for this new business venture.
I thought I would save some money and have a crack at this other business idea if I could swap some of my business skills with a graphic artist or web developer in return for a logo, or a website– but I couldn’t find a site that introduced me to like-minded people. 
I needed to find more mums like me out there.  Mums that are perfectly capable in providing these types of services I needed (after all, we were being paid for these services just months earlier) and wanted what I had to offer.  But I couldn’t find a bartering site that was typically appropriate for mums of my generation (aged 25 – 39 years give or take)

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
That’s when the light went off and I started to think about how many other products and services do mums want, and how many products and services can they provide.  It came down to four main things mums wanted: products and services for her, the family, the business and the lifestyle. And it was clear that everything that mums wanted could be provided by another mum….
So I changed business tact and decided I was going to create mumswap.com.au; a bartering site that focuses on making life easier for mums. As a bonus, it is also a business that is good for the environment as it encourages people to recycle their goods. 
You can swap all the usual things you would expect to swap on a bartering site, i.e clothes, toys, furniture.  But, we have addressed all of mums’ needs – so you can also put in your request for some ironing, a spa treatment, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts or a business and marketing plan.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
It was down to two obvious options. One name that my heart wanted and one name that my head wanted. In the end some extra market research told me to listen to my heart all the way.

What makes Mumswap original?
Mumswap is different as this is Australia’s first completely FREE (and unconventional) bartering hub created specifically for mums to swap their product, services AND talents to achieve more for themselves, their family, business and lifestyle a smarter way. 
 
Mums come here to recycle their goods, share their skills and be rewarded.  It’s not just about getting rid of old clothes.  Here you can put your business skills to use while you are on maternity leave and swap it for hair and beauty services if you want.  Or offer to do someone’s chores and borrow their boat for the weekend. Do some babysitting and get some cooking lessons, etc.  The list is endless and so are the possibilities.  Yet the objective is the same – and that is to make life easier for mums to get the products and services they wish for, but without the pressure to do it all or pay for it all themselves.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
After lots of mini-challenges, we had to accept that getting a business off the ground takes three times as long as you think and sometimes things are going to be out of your control – but regardless you must be continuously motivated, focused and strong.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
Continuously evolving. Initially we were contemplating what fee we should charge users but decided at the eleventh hour that mumswap.com.au should be an entirely free service. Mums deserve it.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
That we are in the business of making life easier for mums. Our mission is very rewarding because we understand first hand the pressures mums face and we want to make it easier for mums to have it all without trying to do it all. It is a genuine, feel-good initiative to be a part of.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
We are getting around to all that and expect we will eventually be a part of many networks that will help us get our message across to mums…..

What are your future goals for mumswap.com.au?
We want every mum to be aware of what mumswap.com.au does for mums and that there is a smarter way to achieve what they want for themselves, their family, business and lifestyle without the pressure of trying to do it all on their own. Mumswap will continue to communicate that by recycling goods, sharing skills you can reap the rewards and ‘have it all’. Our goal is to make life easier for tens of thousands of mums.

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
I can tell you to ‘go for it’ and you will really enjoy doing what you love. I can also tell you it is not for the faint-hearted. Things take much longer than planned, some things will be out of your control and you will have to make a lot of sacrifices. Therefore, if you believe in yourself, what you are capable of and you know how resilient and stubborn you are – you don’t need anyone to show you the way – Go on and lead the way.

Cate Bolt manages an online store that stocks wonderful lines of sustainable living products.

Cate explains why The Elements at Eumundi and other initiatives are funding The Indonesian orphanage project.

Find out how you can help this project here.

Cate, what was the idea that first got the ball rolling?
The Elements originally started out as something completely different which changed direction. The Elements was originally going to be a 5 star luxury eco-tourism resort and we insisted that everything that went into it had to be sustainable, organic or in some way more environmentally sensible than its competitors. The products we used were to be available in the resort shop and the online store. In the research process we became so passionate about the earth, conservation and humanity that we decided there were bigger things we should be paying attention to, so we kept the shop as a means of residual income for our new charity.

What got you excited enough about the idea to put it into motion?
I’m just an excited person. Once I get an idea in my head-– it happens. Once I started researching and learning about products I really thought it would be irresponsible to NOT go ahead and do it.

Where did the name for your business spring from?
The Elements At Eumundi – sounds corny but it came from a higher place. We were actually living in Victoria when we started the business; we knew Queensland was where we wanted to be. Something told me Eumundi was “the place” so I basically had decided that was it before I even went there. Luckily when I got there it felt like home and I fell in love immediately!

“The Elements” represents everything I stand for; I’m “at one with the earth”.

How is The Elements at Eumundi original?
I think the main difference is that we run the business now to support the charity. So 50% of the profits go directly to the charity, and the other 50% goes to supporting our family while we run the charity. I think shoppers like to know that what they are buying not only benefits them and the earth, but the profits are going to the greater good as well.

What was the most difficult part in getting your business off the ground?
Honestly, we didn’t have any difficulties. I had run a successful online/bricks and mortar retail business for 10 years, so it was fairly plain sailing.

Having a large family means time-management is always an issue. And I guess having to go back to square one with suppliers– not having the leverage of being a recognised successful business with bargaining power.

Has any part of your business gone down a different path than you first anticipated?
Very much – see question 1!

What do you enjoy most about running your business?
Working from home and being flexible about when we work. Knowing that what we sell is beneficial to our customers & to the earth and that the money we make is going to a worthwhile cause.

Do you belong to any networks that have helped you grow your business?
No, nothing worth mentioning.

What are your future goals for insert business name?
We would like to extend our product range to include my husband’s passion– which is alternate energy. We’re also in the process of extending the alternate therapies section, to include my passion– which is crystal healing. We will be focusing heavily on getting our head lice treatments into Queensland schools for the rest of this school year. We have an awesome product after years of frustration, so we’re taking it to the people!

What advice would you give another woman wanting to start a business of her own?
Don’t lose sight of the big picture. Make sure you’re clear in your head what your objectives are when you’re starting a business. Write them down and maybe have them somewhere you can see them every day. It’s ok if they change, but if they are still the same and you’re losing direction, then have the strength to stop yourself.

No amount of money will ever buy the happiness of your children. Make sure you maintain business/family balance and hang out with your kids. It’s always nice to include them in the business, even if it’s in some minor role like arranging your packing supplies.

If you can work side by side it will give them an appreciation for what you do, why you do it and what the rewards are.